A simmering rivalry between 50 Cent and Jim Jones resurfaced this week after social media posts suggested Jones had lost access to his podcast studio. The episode began circulating widely after 50 Cent shared a message referencing an alleged lockout. He also mentioned what he characterized as property damage. In one caption, he wrote, “Sam is my partner I own the joint, now your gonna fix every door you kick or I’m gonna kick ya a*s jimmy. [thinking emoji] by Monday, your destroying my property.” The image accompanying the post appeared stylized. However, its authenticity was not independently confirmed. Clips that followed seemed to show Jones attempting to enter a studio space tied to his show, Let’s Rap About It. In one video, he can be heard saying, “the f*ck is you talking about,” as a door lock is broken. Screenshots of a notice terminating tenancy under the name Joseph Jones, his legal name, also circulated online. The document indicated the possibility of negotiating with the landlord. However, the precise terms of any lease agreement have not been publicly verified. View this post on Instagram Feud Turns Into a Viral Spectacle 50 Cent continued to comment on the situation, adding a note of sarcasm. “Damn bro this wouldn’t happen if we was friends, wanna be friends? I don’t know let’s rap about it! LOL,” he wrote. In a subsequent post, he shared what he described as a phone call with the property owner. The owner alleged that unpaid rent ranged from $80,000 to $180,000. Those figures have not been independently confirmed. Jones responded with humor rather than direct rebuttal. Posting a brief video, he captioned it, “Kunfu Jim. No lock doors lol,” appearing to treat the episode as spectacle rather than crisis. The exchange underscores how longstanding tensions between the two artists now unfold largely through social media posts and viral clips. In this context, performance and provocation often blur with real-world disputes.

A$AP Rocky has joined forces with Nas for a new Ray-Ban campaign that looks back to Belly, the 1998 film directed by Hype Williams that became a touchstone of late-1990s hip-hop style. The campaign, released February 19, coincides with the launch of Rocky’s Metal Collection for the eyewear brand. Serving as creative director, Rocky introduces a selection of optical frames and sunglasses priced between $202 and $249. The collaboration brings together fashion, music, and film in a way that feels less like a commercial exercise and more like a cultural callback. The accompanying short film borrows its mood and visual cues from Belly, a movie remembered as much for its imagery as for its storyline. Nas, who appeared in the original film, narrates the campaign, grounding it in personal memory. “Man, I get a phone call from Flacko this evening. He wants to meet in Harlem. Funny thing is, it’s the same restaurant where I last met with his pops before he passed. His pops was my dawg,” he says. In fact, in this story, Rocky becomes even more central to the film’s journey. Framing Legacy in the Present That line adds emotional weight to what might otherwise be a straightforward brand partnership. By invoking a shared history and a specific place in Harlem, the campaign folds biography into homage. It also connects Nas to Rocky’s influence, creating a bond that feels authentic instead of fabricated, and positions Rocky as a stylistic heir to earlier generations of New York rap. For Ray-Ban, the project positions the brand within a lineage of artists who have shaped popular culture beyond their music. Furthermore, this partnership allows Rocky to expand his growing creative legacy across fashion and music, strengthening Rocky’s influence in both arenas.

President Donald Trump’s love for Nicki Minaj continued this week at the White House. On Wednesday, (Feb 18), Donald Trump showered the “Anaconda” rapper with compliments during his speech for a Black History Month event. Trump called Minaj “beautiful” and highlighted her political prowess. “How about Nicki Minaj? Do we love Nicki Minaj? I love Nicki Minaj. She was here a couple weeks ago. She’s so beautiful,” Trump raved. “I said, ‘Nicki, you’re so beautiful.’ Her nails are like that long, I said, ‘Nicki are they real?’ She didn’t want to get into that. But she was so beautiful and so great and she gets it, more importantly.” The president’s remarks of Minaj came as he was talking about a series of iconic black artists, such as guitarist Chuck Berry and singer Muddy Waters. After he went on a ramble about Minaj’s “beautiful” skin, the president turned back to his prepared speech where he continued to note more iconic black Americans, including Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr., and boxer Muhammad Ali. He argued that Black History Month is really “all about American history.” “Happy Black History Month, Happy Black History Year, and happy Black History Century,” Trump concluded. Last month, the Trinidadian singer and songwriter praised Trump at the so-called “Trump Accounts” event. Taking to the stage, Minaj said, “I am probably the President’s number one fan, and that’s not going to change. And the hate or what people have to say, it does not affect me at all. It actually motivates me to support him more, it’s going to motivate all of us to support him more.” She added, “We’re not going to let them get away with bullying him and you know the smear campaigns, it’s not going to work. He has a lot of force behind him and God is protecting him. Amen.”

Rapper Soulja Boy says he has taken another step into emerging technology. He claims he is the first rapper to automate his voice using artificial intelligence. “I was the first rapper to automate his voice with AI. Give me a call,” Soulja Boy wrote Tuesday on X. The post circulated widely across social media, where clips and screenshots showed references to a project sometimes described online as “SouljaAI.” Posts promoting the idea suggested fans could interact with an AI version of his voice. Representatives for the rapper did not immediately release detailed technical information. It remains unclear what tools or platform power the voice system. Soulja Boy, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, has long framed himself as an early adopter of digital trends. He rose to prominence with the 2007 hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” which topped charts and spread through early online platforms. Social media buzz and questions Online reactions ranged from excitement to skepticism. Some users praised the move as innovative. Others questioned whether similar voice automation tools already exist. Posts tied to the rollout described the concept as allowing people to call or use an AI voice modeled after the rapper. Screenshots shared by entertainment accounts amplified those claims, though independent verification remains limited. The announcement arrives as artificial intelligence reshapes music production. AI tools can generate vocals, assist with mixing and replicate styles, raising questions about authorship and credit. Industry debate has intensified in recent years as artists experiment with machine learning. Labels and creators continue to grapple with how AI fits into traditional workflows. Soulja Boy has previously commented on the rapid development of AI, reflecting broader curiosity and concern among musicians. The technology’s growing presence has sparked both enthusiasm and criticism across the industry. A history of tech experimentation Throughout his career, Soulja Boy has embraced new platforms, often highlighting his role in internet culture. His early success was closely tied to online distribution and viral marketing strategies. Observers note that artists frequently make bold claims when introducing new technology. Determining who was “first” can be difficult in a fast-moving field. Still, his latest statement underscores how musicians are exploring new ways to connect with audiences. Voice automation and interactive AI tools could open new creative and commercial possibilities. For now, the rapper’s brief declaration stands as the clearest description of the project. “I was the first rapper to automate his voice with AI,” he wrote.

R&B singer and television personality Ray J sparked concern among fans after appearing to perform with visibly irritated, bloodshot eyes, prompting his manager to defend the appearance and emphasize professional commitment. Videos circulating online showed Ray J onstage during a recent performance, with viewers commenting on what appeared to be redness or bleeding around his eyes. The clips quickly drew attention across social media platforms, where fans questioned his health and well-being. In response, Ray J’s manager addressed the situation in public remarks, stressing that performers often push through physical discomfort to meet obligations. “Artists gotta do their job,” the manager said, adding that performers are accustomed to working under demanding conditions. “Sometimes you don’t feel your best, but you still show up for the fans.” Representatives did not provide detailed medical information. However, the manager suggested that the appearance may have been linked to irritation, fatigue or environmental factors rather than a serious injury. Ray J, whose full name is William Ray Norwood Jr., has built a career spanning music, television and entrepreneurship. He rose to prominence in the late 1990s and remains a recognizable figure in pop culture. Fans React Online Online reactions ranged from concern to praise for his dedication. Some fans urged the singer to rest, while others applauded him for continuing the show. “He looked like he was in pain,” one fan wrote in a widely shared comment. “I hope he takes care of himself.” Another commenter said, “That’s real professionalism. He still performed for everyone.” The manager acknowledged the concern, saying that fan support remains important. “We appreciate people caring,” the manager said. “But this is what entertainers do.” A Career Built on Resilience Industry observers note that performers frequently face pressure to continue working despite illness or injury. Concert schedules, travel demands and contractual commitments can leave little room for cancellation. Ray J has spoken in past interviews about the challenges of balancing public expectations with personal health. Those familiar with his career say he is known for maintaining a strong connection with audiences. No official statement from Ray J detailing the incident has been released. It remains unclear whether he sought medical evaluation following the performance. For now, his team appears focused on reassuring fans while underscoring the realities of live entertainment. “People see the show,” the manager said. “They don’t always see what it takes behind the scenes.”

There was a time when a Rick Ross setlist reliably included Drake without raising eyebrows. Before their highly publicized split in 2024, the two artists collaborated frequently, shaping some of the early 2010s’ most recognizable rap records. Now, even playing one of those songs can feel loaded. That undercurrent surfaced again during a recent club appearance by Ross. While performing “Aston Martin Music,” Ross was joined unexpectedly by French Montana, according to footage shared by 2Cool2Blog on Instagram. The 2010 track, released on Teflon Don, originally featured Drake and Chrisette Michele. Onstage, Ross and French greeted one another as the song played, a routine moment on its face. In the current context, however, it carried added resonance and further connected Ross to the history of the track. Drake’s imprint on the song runs deeper than a single verse. His reimagined take, “Paris Morton Music,” later evolved into an expanded version on Nothing Was The Same and was eventually included on Care Package. His original verse remains embedded in the song’s identity, both in the single and its video. Hearing it now inevitably recalls a partnership that once seemed seamless, frequently featuring Ross in the mix. French Montana shrugs off the Drake–Ross rift French Montana, who has maintained relationships with both artists, recently addressed the divide. Speaking with Bootleg Kev, he expressed confidence that time could ease tensions. “It’ll happen,” he said. “Brothers always fight and make up, man. It’ll happen. Nobody got shot, nobody died, you know?” His tone suggested familiarity rather than alarm, especially when mentioning Ross. Montana’s name has surfaced in discussions about how the rift began. Reports have pointed to a cease-and-desist issued by Drake over a verse intended for “Splash Brothers,” which was ultimately released without him but included Ross and Lil Wayne. The episode appeared to strain alliances. Since then, Ross has signaled some openness to reconciliation, while Drake has remained more reserved publicly.

NLE Choppa, who has recently begun calling himself NLE The Great, revived his long-running tension with Blueface over the weekend. What had seemed like a cooling-off period between the two rappers shifted back into public view when Choppa posted a challenge on X on Sunday, February 15. In the message, he urged Blueface to “get in the octagon.” The comment reignited speculation about whether their dispute might one day move beyond social media. Furthermore, fans are curious about Choppa’s next move following his challenge. The idea of a one-on-one fight is not new for the pair. In previous exchanges, both had entertained the possibility of settling matters in a controlled setting. At one point, however, the conversation became more controversial when Blueface suggested their children should compete instead—a remark that prompted criticism and ultimately apologies. Since then, both artists have indicated that any physical contest would remain strictly between them. On that note, it is clear Choppa remains central to these discussions. Let’s get in the octagon @bluefacebleedem — NLE THE GREAT (@nlethegreat1) February 15, 2026 From Personal Rift to Public Rivalry—and a Possible Fight Ahead The friction between the two dates back to late 2023, when personal tensions spilled into the public sphere. Reports at the time suggested the disagreement escalated after one of Choppa’s children’s mothers declined Blueface’s advances. The matter lingered online through pointed posts and lyrical references, including what many listeners interpreted as a slight in “Shotta Flow 8.” As often happens in rap, competition and personal grievance became intertwined, especially where Choppa is concerned. Although the feud cooled after family members were drawn into the exchange, neither rapper has entirely dismissed the idea of a sanctioned bout. Blueface, however, has a separate commitment approaching: a scheduled boxing match in May against former NBA player Nick “Swaggy P” Young. That event may influence whether he responds to the latest challenge from Choppa in the near term.

Kanye West’s career has been shaped as much by shifting relationships as by music. His collaborations have produced landmark albums, but his public breaks with figures like Jay-Z and Pusha T have also become part of his story. Now, a recently surfaced extended interview offers another glimpse into how he sees the current rap landscape. The footage, from a conversation with Justin Laboy on The Download, first aired last year but has reemerged online in a longer cut. During the interview, Laboy posed a familiar question with a twist. “I’m going to remove you and make it easier,” he said, asking West to name three artists to join him on a hip-hop Mount Rushmore. West did not limit himself to three. Instead, he named Future, Drake, Young Thug, and Playboi Carti. “That’s my answer,” he said. He then added, “Oh, new GOAT, Carti. Carti. Yeah, next generation. You know, if you put it by generation. I exist in every generation.” The comment was delivered casually, but it underscored how West views influence—not as something fixed in the past, but as something that moves with each wave of artists. Ye revealed his Rap Mount Rushmore in the extended version of his 2025 interview with Justin Laboy: FutureDrakeYoung Thug Kendrick Lamar He also crowned Carti as goat of the new gen pic.twitter.com/h0E7oBFwqV — THUGGERDAILY ひ (@ThuggerDaily) February 13, 2026 A Snapshot of Rivalries and Reverence The selections stand out partly because they reflect the present moment rather than hip-hop’s traditional canon. West’s public stance toward some of the artists he named has shifted over time. His relationship with Drake has moved between rivalry and praise, and he has previously accused Future and Metro Boomin of distancing themselves over the “Like That” remix. Still, admiration and competition often coexist in rap’s upper ranks. His mention of Playboi Carti is notable given occasional friction between them, though much of that appears to have unfolded after the interview was recorded. Young Thug, by contrast, has drawn relatively steady support from West in recent years. The list also prompted quiet discussion about who was not included—particularly veterans often cited in similar debates.

Victoria Monét and Jamie Foxx are among many great black artists, both emerging and superstars alike, who are returning to music over the weekend following Bad Bunny’s incredible Super Bowl LX performance. Black History Month is a great time for black artists and their music to thrive, with the nation rooting for everything black. J. Cole’s long-awaited album, The Fall Off, eclipsed everything in music over the weekend. While the North Carolina superstar finally speaks, there were plenty of emerging acts that slipped through the cracks with electrifying music, which shows what’s next in today’s music. From Ja Rule and 50 Cent reigiting their feud to tour announcements from Wale, Floetry, and more to the Grammy aftermath, plenty of superstars and fresh faces have kicked off their 2026 run this week. All are seeking to be the year’s biggest stars. Whether you missed the return of Victoria Monét or are eager to find your next favorite new artist in Shotgun Suge or Billionaire Buck this week. Behind the headlines, here’s a complete list of new music you might have missed this week. Victoria Monét Wants You To “Let Me” Bring This Romance This V-Day She’s back. When the 3x Grammy Award winner isn’t cooking at culinary school, she’s cooking up a new love song before she hits the road with Bruno Mars. Let me just say this pleasure-pleasing track marks the singer’s new era. Gunna & Chris Brown Wanna Know Again “WGFT” The unexpected hit from the Atlanta-meets-Virginia connection gets a raunchy and seductive visual to bring it back to life in 2026 after taking over 2025. Added are the enticing R&B vocals by one of the greatest ever, alongside the grimy raps that hypnotized us in 2025 from a superstar who was deemed the walking dead. This is already on your Valentine’s Day playlist. Baby Rose & Leon Thomas Say Their Parties Are For “Friends Again” Following a huge night of gold for the mutt, the duo’s collaboration captures the tension between intimacy and emotional self-protection. Over moody, minimalist production, the two explore blurred boundaries — where chemistry lingers but commitment feels risky. Their smoky vocals trade vulnerability and restraint, portraying two people drawn to each other yet hesitant to define it, choosing guarded connection over heartbreak. Victoria Monét, Leon Thomas, Chris Brown + MORE New Music You Might Have Missed This Week OC Chris Joins The “F*k Ice” Movement After his Billboard spotlight, the next up Dallas rap star addresses a trending topic in his latest track. The protest song features the Texans’ wise-cracking attitude, aligning himself beside the culture for a serious issue while throwing up a middle finger to the deportation authorities. The empowering lyrics prove that the rising star is ready to fight the power. Armor Tells Us Don’t Worry, “Get Yours, I’ll Get Mine” The U.K. hotshot’s latest single dives into the contradictions of street life, where ambition, addiction, and survival collide over a hard, punchy beat. Rather than glamorize fast money and chaos, he exposes the mental toll beneath it, delivering a gritty, self-aware record that underscores his raw storytelling edge. BunnaB Is About To Get Your “Mind Right” Currently touring with YFN Lucci, East Atlanta’s hottest new star feeds her fanbase with the undeniably hungry emcee make her voice heard across zig-zagging synth leads, booming 808s, and a flurry of IG caption-worthy bars. Her infectious personality put a signature twist on the new hit. SFace Just Up’d & “Stolen Flow” Ready to steal the fame like a thief in the night, the emerging South London rapper blends smooth delivery with a lived-in perspective. A hustler’s ambition, the freestyle drawn directly from day-to-day experience — work, pressure, ambition, and the push to move forward. The quick track will make off with your attention and leave you speechless, like your wallet just got stolen, so pay close attention. Jamie Foxx Is Ready To Shower “Somebody” With New Love The multi-talented entertainer returns to music with his new song for the lovers out there. It appears to deliver the singer’s classic sound, matching his one-of-a-kind vocals over the traditional R&B production, blended with sensual lyrics. The song will surely pull at heartstrings and will welcome the hitmaker back with open arms. View this post on Instagram Joshua Baraka Grabs Shenseea To Go Back To “Moroco” The afrobeats remix adds the new Dancehall Queen for a sultry verse and flips the hook into. It’s a call-and-response that brings a fresh dancehall energy to the track. They teased the remix in the BK Arena, which resulted in fans tearing the roof out, demanding the record on streams immediately. View this post on Instagram “Me Personally,” It Looks Like Newark’s Shotgun Suge Is Bum Rushing 2026 Hip-Hop Hailing from an area that gave us elite lyricists like Joe Budden, Red Man, and Ice-T, the latest rising star’s EP showcases his battle-tested reputation displayed as a legit recording artist. Known for his imposing presence and punishing bars. The five-track tape pairs street-hardened records with introspective turns, unpacking loyalty, survival, and ambition. Still unpolished, the project shows signs of greatness that can’t be ignored. Billionaire Buck Returns To “Fup A Check” The Compton rap star returns for a promising 2026 that begins with the money-motivated track about splurging. He raps about his lavish spending while maintaining focus to acquire more bags through his lucrative hustling abilities. From hand-to-hand to digital to products, he’s getting to the money by any means necessary.

Tony Yayo offered his account this week of a confrontation with Ja Rule that took place aboard a commercial flight. The two rappers, whose rivalry dates back to the early 2000s through their ties to 50 Cent and G-Unit, were seated near one another during the trip. Video of the exchange circulated online, showing raised voices before airline staff stepped in. Ja Rule later exited the plane. Speaking with VladTV, Yayo described the encounter as tense from the moment they saw each other. “I see Ja. He see’s me, he’s spooked. He could tell TMZ, he could tell you, he could tell everybody he was spooked because he only seen me. When you see me, who do you see? You see 50 Cent, you see Uncle Murda, you see some gangsta n**s around all the time, that’s on timing. Ja knows that. He just got punched out at a concert. So, it feels like the world is closing for him. So, he sees me, I see him. I’m not showing no weakness at all,” he said. Yayo placed the moment within a longer history between their camps. “You gotta remember: This is G-Unit. We’ve been through the ringer. We’ve been going at it with, not only him, but multiple street n**s. And I’m not trying to glorify nothing street, I’m just telling you the lifestyle. So look, he’s right here. I see him, he sees me. The stare down starts.” His comments framed the incident less as a surprise and more as an extension of an old dispute. Old Feud, New Flight Ja Rule addressed the situation separately on X, formerly Twitter, with a mocking tone. “I popped on these punks by myself on a plane lmao pssy ass ns I threw the pillow at yayo head cuz you soft… [laughing emojis] knocked ya hat all off sht was hilarious…” he wrote. He also posted what he said was a message from TMZ summarizing the encounter: “Hi Ja — Jamie here from TMZ — reaching out for comment regarding a Delta flight you were on Sunday morning. Witness tells us — From SFO to JFK where Ja Rule got into an argument with Tony Yayo on the flight. Ja was the aggressor and yelled profanities, saying he wanted to fight, then throwing a pillow at Tony Yayo. Crew stepped in and pulled both guys off the plane for a bit. Yayo yelled back that planes are federal offenses territory and he did nothing wrong.” The confrontation occurred shortly after Tony Yayo and Uncle Murda launched their podcast, The Real Report. The show debuted earlier this week and included discussion of current events in hip-hop. The in-flight dispute quickly became part of the broader online conversation. For observers familiar with the history between the artists, the setting was new, but the rivalry was not.